A CARE home resident has celebrated reaching her 103rd birthday.

Caroline Curtis lives at Colne View Care home in Halstead and marked her special day on Tuesday by spending time with her family, including daughter Joan.

Mrs Curtis moved to Halstead six years ago from her home in Great Dunmow and has been a resident at Colne View for over three years.

She previously worked in a laundrette for eight years before retiring when she married her husband, Leonard Curtis, aged 22.

Mrs Curtis has been a widow since 1974 when her husband passed away aged 60 but she continued to live independently until she moved to Halstead in 2011.

She is no longer able to enjoy knitting, which was one of her favourite hobbies, however she believes key to a long life is hard work and happiness.

She added: "I’ve had a good and happy life."